Still perilously lovable

Where was I? Oh, right; now I remember. The vexing question is how a diocese can recruit young men to the priesthood, and the clever answer is to find young men who would just love to be priests. For example (emphasis added in all the following excerpts):

In the book, The Changing Face of the Priesthood, the Rev. Donald B. Cozzens suggests that the priesthood is, or is becoming, a gay profession.

"Some will think that this book is disloyal to the Church and the priesthood, but I hope that it is an act of loyalty and care and regard," Cozzens said in a telephone interview. "I think that we as Christians don't have to be afraid of the truth. But I love being a priest, and I love the Church."

Within weeks of the commencement of the bishops' conference in Dallas, The Seattle Times revealed that the long-time local homosexual activist Fr. David Jaeger would be subject to dismissal under the new "one-strike" policy. Predictably, Fr. Jaeger, who has enjoyed a number of leadership positions throughout his career, considers such measures to be excessive.

Jaeger, who's perhaps a bit biased on the matter, does not think he should be removed from active ministry. In his view, it would be: "unwarranted, because I'm so clearly not a danger. ... It would be heartbreaking for me. I love being a priest."

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Ratio Spes,I hope St. Agustine wouldn't be upset with us. We accept Christ's teaching and doctrine and try to enforce the bond of Christian brotherhood. We recognize that certain individuals do not inspire us to uplifting thoughts-so we gravitate to those who do. The African controvery is quite unappealing especially the old rebapbtism part now that some clerics are going for the full immersion technique.

Posted by: parochus -
May. 13, 2006 3:05 AM ET USA

I think it was the late Queen Mum who once used the term "homosexualist," which has a nice ring to it.

Posted by: Ignacio177 -
May. 12, 2006 7:45 AM ET USA

A more precise term is "vicious homosexual" that is one who has the vice which disposes him to buggery. "Vicious bugger" or "vicious sodomite" could also be used.

Posted by: Quadratus -
May. 12, 2006 2:38 AM ET USA

The priesthood IS a gay profession in the United States. God have mercy on us.

Posted by: Genuflect -
May. 11, 2006 10:46 PM ET USA

"unwarranted, because I'm so clearly not a danger. ... It would be heartbreaking for me. I love being a priest."
Apparently it wasn't heartbreaking to betray Christ. Move on, your integrity is dust.

Posted by: hughsigh -
May. 11, 2006 7:05 PM ET USA

Whenever I engage in conversation of this sort, I NEVER use the term "gay". I ALWAYS use the term "homosexual". Not only is it the correct term, but it is so wonderful to observe the violent reactions it gets.

Posted by: -
May. 11, 2006 6:52 PM ET USA

Centurion - Be careful, you're close to Donatism there!

Posted by: parochus -
May. 11, 2006 5:47 PM ET USA

Di,
You're beginning to make me paranoid. Saying "I love being a priest" can have some pretty *positive* connotations. At the risk of branding myself vis a vis these comments, I *do* love being a priest.

Posted by: -
May. 11, 2006 3:49 PM ET USA

Dealing with actively "gay" priests has been a negligible issue in many areas. It is increasing in our part of the country. We have decided to deal with it by boycott. We check the schedule and avoid the offending priest. That probaly works well both ways. We are satisfied with a normal Mass free of improvisation and rose petals flying, and he has more time to spend with those who can relate to him. Meanwhile back at the ranch, the cowboys are deserting, too.